Corn stunt and corn leafhopper found in New York

Pest Alert

The presence of the corn stunt spiroplasma (Spiroplasma kunkelii) and its insect vector, corn leafhopper (Dalbulus maidis), has been confirmed in New York.

November 2024

As its name suggests, corn stunt can lead to significant stunting and ear abnormalities and has the potential to cause significant yield loss. New York State Integrated Pest Management is partnering with Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension on a working group to develop and deploy a common protocol for monitoring corn leafhopper in the upcoming growing season.

Short corn plant infected with corn stunt disease displaying multiple, small ears and reddish colored husks.

Short corn plant infected with corn stunt disease displaying multiple, small ears and reddish colored husks.

Red leaf midribs with chlorotic leaf striping of corn leaves are symptoms associated with corn stunt disease

Red leaf midribs with chlorotic leaf striping of corn leaves are symptoms associated with corn stunt disease

Corn plants infected with corn stunt disease

Corn plants infected with corn stunt disease

Mike Hunter
Mike Hunter

Field Crops IPM Specialist

NYS Integrated Pest Management

Mike Hunter